The most recent HIV prevalence survey among persons aged 15-49 years in Nigeria revealed that HIV is more prevalent in women than in men.

According to the data by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), 1.7 percent of female adults aged 15-49 have HIV, while 0.8 percent of male adults aged 15-49 have the virus. Further review revealed that, despite the prevalence of HIV among women, the percentage of people who are knowledgeable about prevention measures is higher among men than among women. 74.1 percent of men aged 15-49 years are aware of HIV prevention compared to 70.7 percent of women aged 15-49 year.

HIV prevalence vs. HIV treatment knowledge at the state level 

Across all 36 states, women have higher HIV prevalence. In Akwa Ibom, 7% of women aged 15-49 were infected compared to 3% of men. This is followed by Benue and Jigawa, which are in second and third place, respectively.

Again, across all states knowledge of treatment options is lower among women. In Akwa Ibom, for example, where the prevalence of HIV in women is 4% higher than the prevalence of HIV in men, men have 11 per cent more knowledge of HIV treatment than women.

Similarly, in Jigawa state, where the prevalence of HIV among women is 5% higher than the prevalence among men, men have 24 per cent more knowledge of HIV treatment than women.

Dr. Bukola Olaniyi, a  Public health specialist, has advised that prevalence can be reduced by preventing new cases of HIV/AIDs from occurring, and by ensuring that tests are well carried out on patients especially pregnant women in order to prevent mothers to child transmission.

“The key to reducing HIV/AIDS  prevalence is to prevent new infections. This can be achieved by; ensuring that the clients already on treatment are virally undetectable. And by encouraging discordant couples, where one partner is infected and the other isn’t, to take Pre Exposure Prophylaxis.

Also preventing Mother to Child Transmission by seeing to it that all pregnant women are tested as at when due; at antenatal booking and during child labour/delivery.

HIV/AIDS Awareness barrier amongst women

Yusuf Hassan Wada, a member of the International AIDS Society, says that there are factors hindering women from knowing their HIV statuses. Factors such as financial disparities; inequal cultural, social and economic status; stigma and discrimination.

“Restricted social autonomy and gender inequality in education among women leads to zero or low access to sexual health services including testing for HIV. Unequal cultural, social and economic status in society has also meant they are unable to enquire and access those services in the community or hospitals and unable to afford testing kits such as the self-test. They also face stigma and discrimination in asking for testing which further exacerbates inequality in HIV testing and undermines the response to the epidemic. Showing up for testing in our society acknowledges that a woman has been around somebody or been with somebody that could possibly have the disease. 

Wada proffered some solutions towards bridging the awareness gap between men and women. He opined that there should be gender equality in the assessment of HIV prevention and treatment measures. Also, gender violence against women should be curbed to encourage total participation in critical health issues. 

“Gender inequality has undermined the fight in HIV prevention and treatment access and outcomes. It also contributes greatly to the impact of the HIV response. Societies that don’t work for girls and young women don’t work. Women often have less information about HIV treatment and prevention and fewer resources to take preventive measures. Many women living with HIV struggle with stigma and exclusion, aggravated by their lack of rights. Financial disparities, gender inequality in education and restricted social autonomy such as partner’s violence reinforce unequal power dynamics with men and limit women’s choices, opportunities and access to information, health and social services, and also to negotiate safe sexual practices (e.g. condom use) to protect themselves from HIV.